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H 947

An Act relative to brownsfields assessment and remediation funds accessibility

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Expands eligibility for Massachusetts brownfields funds: any municipality, regardless of RPO participation, can access brownfields assessment and remediation funding.

Accompanied a study order, see H5149
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Bill Summary · H 947

Summary: H. 947 — An Act relative to brownsfields assessment and remediation funds accessibility

Purpose and intent

This bill would broaden access to Massachusetts Brownfields Assessment and Remediation Funds. The core change is to allow any community to receive these funds regardless of whether the community participates in a Regional Planning Organization (RPO). The aim appears to be reducing barriers to funding for brownfields assessment and remediation by removing the prerequisite that RPO participation is required for eligibility.

Key provisions

  • Notwithstanding any other law, regulation, or rule to the contrary, any community may be granted Brownsfields Assessment and Remediation Funds.
  • Eligibility would no longer depend on participation in a Regional Planning Organization; non-participation would not bar access to the funds.

Note: The text is concise and focuses on modifying eligibility criteria rather than altering fund administration or matching requirements.

Who would be affected

  • Massachusetts municipalities: All communities could access Brownsfields funds without needing RPO participation.
  • Regional Planning Organizations: Potentially less of a gatekeeper role in the funding process; may see changes in how projects are routed or prioritized.
  • State agencies administering the funds (e.g., environmental and economic development agencies): Would implement the new eligibility standard.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (2025-02-27).
  • Related legislative actions: Senate concurrence listed on the same date as the referral.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 17, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Room A-1.
  • Related/broader context: Similar matter previously filed as House No. 810 in the 2023-2024 session; current bill is filed as House Docket No. 3567 (House No. 947 in the current session).

Fiscal considerations

The bill text does not specify funding levels, appropriations, or financial triggers. As a results-based shift in eligibility rather than a funding commitment, any fiscal impact would depend on future appropriation decisions and project demand under the expanded eligibility.

Related bills and notes

  • Related bill: HD 3567 (the docket for this measure in the current session).
  • Historical parallel: Similar matter previously introduced as House No. 810 in 2023-2024.
  • The core change is a non-binding eligibility expansion clause; implementation details would be determined during committee review and potential subsequent amendments.

This summary reflects the bill’s stated objective and the principal effect of the proposed change to brownfields funding accessibility.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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